dialect and accent coaching

for the working actor

Hear more about my approach to teaching dialects by listening to my interview with Bonnie Wallace on the Hometown to Hollywood Podcast!

The IPA is magic

Are you an actor interested in learning dialects? Have you been unable to learn through typical “mimicry” techniques? Perhaps you have a pretty good ear for picking up a dialect, but lack the ability to put what you're hearing into words?

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I can help with that.

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My approach to dialect coaching utilizes the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is a series of symbols that represents all the sounds used in language that the vocal apparatus can make. For instance, in General American IPA the phrase “To be, or not to be, that is the question” would look like this:

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[tu bi | ɔɚ̆ nɑt tu bi || ðæt ɪz ðə kwɛst͡ʃn̩]

This method helps actors to identify changes that are made when we switch from one dialect (our own) into another (our character’s). Eventually you will be able to pick any dialect you’d like to learn, apply the steps I will teach you towards that dialect, and be able to teach it to yourself.

about me

I'm Scott Alan Moffitt, an actor and dialect coach, originally from Texas. After earning a BFA in Acting from TCU in Fort Worth, TX in 2012, I made the move to Los Angeles where I've been pursuing a career in film and television.

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I've done funny voices all my life. In college, I figured out I might be able to put that to some good use when a new professor in my theater department introduced me to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It was shocking to me that I was able to put the silly voices in my head into text -- it was even more shocking when I moved to LA and realized this approach is not something most film actors are familiar with. I aim to change that.

my philosophy

As an actor living and auditioning in Los Angeles, I know how stressful the industry can be. I've met so many actors who tell me about the anxiety they get when they have an audition requiring a dialect, or even in the decision to add a dialect to their resume.

My goal is to give actors the tools to analyze, criticize, and most importantly self-learn dialects and accents. Ultimately, I want to give actors their confidence back!

my approach

I teach actors the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and how to use it to teach themselves accents. It's a purely scientific approach that takes out the guess work.

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In my group classes, we focus on learning the IPA, outlining my method to self-learning dialects, and drilling week-by-week with different accents.

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In private coaching, I can help actors prepare for an upcoming audition or learn the same content as my classes on your schedule.

SERVICES

PRIVATE COACHING - $125/hour

Prepare for an audition, brush up on a dialect for your resume, or learn my method for teaching yourself dialects. I am licensed to work with young actors*. I work in person at Young Actors Space in Sherman Oaks, or via Skype.

ON-SET COACHING - varying rate

While it's always better for actors to prepare the dialect before ever showing up to set, I can help make sure they're giving the best possible performance on set. My rate is negotiable to help fit the needs of any size production.

TESTIMONIALS

JASON DOLLEY

Good Luck Charlie, Cory in the House, Minutemen

Scott Alan Moffitt's dialect class is like learning music theory for accents. He teaches you a tool that allows you to walk into any audition with any dialect and feel completely confident.

CIARA RILEY WILSON

Bizaardvark

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Before taking Scott Alan Moffitt’s Dialect and IPA class, I felt completely lost when it came to any sort of dialect. Now, I am able to use the tools I have been given to perfect a dialect the right way and in a short amount of time! I recently had a last minute audition for twelve pages of a French dialect (something I had never ever attempted before) and using what I learned from Scott, I was able to walk into the room with confidence and know that my dialect was spot on. The IPA is truly something that has not only helped with dialects, but has given me the ability to create interesting character quirks and more understanding of the how people speak around us. Not to mention, Scott’s class went above and beyond in making learning the IPA incredibly fun- I can now officially call myself an IPA nerd!! With whatever roles that may come my way, I am confident that Scott’s training has given me the tools needed to nail it.

SEAN RUSSEL HERMAN

Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots

Dialects were always very difficult for me, but such an important aspect of character development. My view on it changed once I met Scott and he taught me the right way to use IPA. It has added a whole other professional layer to my acting, and helps me add depth to certain roles.

SHANNON AMES

aka DJ Shortee

Guess what guys? Scott is a kick ass teacher! I’ve struggled with teaching myself dialects off and on for years using instructional CDs and was super confused as to WTF the IPA was or how to use it effectively because no one I was trying to learn from explained it in a way that I could wrap my brain around. With Scott’s help….in a matter of days… I not only now know WTF the IPA is, how to use it and even MEMORIZED IT. Not only that, more importantly, I now FULLY understand how to teach myself ANY dialect I might want to add to my lil’ ol’ acting skill set…. Yes, you heard me right…Scott taught me this in a matter of DAYS. Take this friggin’ class with Professor Moffitt. It’s well worth it. And you’re welcome.

CHANTE MCCORMICK

Audio-book Narrator

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Before finding this class, I did a LOT of research in an effort to find some course where I could learn IPA. Unless you are enrolled in a university, there simply is a void in this market. I feel extremely lucky to have the ability to learn IPA, not just in Los Angeles where I am based, but at a studio 15 min from home. I went to a top drama school, but the approach to dialects was entirely different there. I feel this is a more technical approach to dialects than mimicry is, and it satisfies my own need to feel like I’ve covered all my bases or done due diligence in preparing for a role. Also, I’ve been out of college for almost 20 years so— for me—it would have been hard to get this level of training outside of a university setting. This class is a hidden gem, in my opinion.

BROOKE ANNE SMITH

Tyler Perry's Too Close to Home

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As an actor, accents are an integral part of creating a character. Scott teaches you a technical fail-proof wday to hone in on ANY accent and be able to perform it without self doubt of "Is this right?" He teaches you the tools to do any accent authentically and you'll have a blast doing it! Not only does he care about your profress, but he's always available to help you if you have questions. I highly recommend Scott's dialect class, and if you're serious about your craft this is a MUST. A great investment that will pay off your entire career. I can't wait to bring what I learned in Scott's dialect class to set!

CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

High School Theatre Teacher

Scott Moffitt offers a user friendly guide into voice and character. His astute teaching style captures the attention of his students literally thousands of miles away! Thank you for providing your expertise for an invaluable virtual classroom experience!”